Homebrew is one of the most useful tools you can install on your Mac. It allows you to install apps, developer tools, and command line software directly from Terminal.

Instead of searching websites for downloads and manually installing programs, Homebrew lets you install software with a simple command. Whether you want Git, Python, Node.js, Visual Studio Code, or other tools, Homebrew makes the process much easier.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to install Homebrew on macOS and how to start using it.

What Is Homebrew?

Homebrew is a free package manager for macOS. Think of it as an app store for Terminal. It helps you install software quickly using commands instead of downloading installers manually.

Popular tools you can install include:

  • Git
  • Python
  • Node.js
  • Visual Studio Code
  • Google Chrome
  • wget
  • FFmpeg
  • Docker

Homebrew is especially popular with developers, but regular Mac users can benefit from it too.

Why Use Homebrew?

Homebrew saves time.

Instead of:

  • Searching Google
  • Downloading files manually
  • Dragging apps into Applications
  • Checking for updates manually

You can manage many tools directly from Terminal. This is especially helpful if you set up new Macs often.

Is Homebrew Safe?

Homebrew is widely trusted and used by millions of Mac users. Always download it from the official website:

Homebrew

Avoid downloading installation scripts from unofficial websites.

Step 1: Open Terminal

Press:

Command + Space

Type:

Terminal

Press Enter.

Step 2: Install Homebrew

macOS Terminal showing the Homebrew installation process

Homebrew installs directly through Terminal and only takes a few minutes to set up on macOS.

Paste this command:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Press Enter.

Follow the installation prompts. You may be asked for your Mac password.

Step 3: Verify Installation

After installation finishes, type:

brew --version

This confirms Homebrew is installed correctly.

Step 4: Search for Software

Before installing something, you can search for available packages:

brew search git

This helps you find the correct package name.

Step 5: Install Your First Package

macOS Terminal using Homebrew to install Git

Install Git:

brew install git

Other examples:

brew install python
brew install node
brew install wget

Step 6: Install Mac Apps with Homebrew Cask

macOS Terminal using Homebrew Cask to install Google Chrome

Homebrew Cask lets you install full Mac apps like Google Chrome directly from Terminal.

Homebrew can also install full Mac applications.

Example:

brew install --cask google-chrome

Other examples include:

  • Visual Studio Code
  • Discord
  • Spotify
  • Docker

This is one of Homebrew’s most useful features.

Step 7: Update Homebrew

Keep Homebrew updated by running:

brew update
brew upgrade

Step 8: Uninstall Apps

Remove software you no longer need:

brew uninstall git

For cask apps:

brew uninstall --cask google-chrome

Best Apps to Install with Homebrew First

If you’re new to Homebrew, here are some popular tools worth installing first.

Git

brew install git

Useful for developers and anyone using GitHub.

Python

brew install python

Helpful for scripting, development, and automation.

Visual Studio Code

brew install --cask visual-studio-code

One of the most popular code editors available.

Google Chrome

brew install --cask google-chrome

Quick way to install a browser without manually downloading it.

VLC Media Player

brew install --cask vlc

A popular media player that supports many file types.

Homebrew on Apple Silicon vs Intel Macs

Homebrew works on both Apple Silicon Macs and Intel Macs. On Apple Silicon Macs, Homebrew may install files in a different directory than older Intel systems.

The installer usually handles this automatically. If Homebrew asks you to update your PATH settings during installation, follow the instructions shown in Terminal.

Common Homebrew Problems

Command Line Tools Missing

macOS may ask you to install Apple Command Line Tools. Follow the prompts.

Permission Errors

Restart Terminal and try again. Make sure your password was entered correctly.

Homebrew Command Not Found

Close Terminal and reopen it.

Then run:

brew --version

Final Thoughts

Homebrew makes managing software on macOS much easier.

Once you start using it, installing apps and developer tools becomes much faster.

If you’re learning Terminal basics, check out our guide on macOS Terminal commands every beginner should know.